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Ashworth, Arthur

Biography

Service number 43699.

Arthur Ashworth enlisted in the RNZAF in September 1939 and transferred to the RAF in June 1940. He went trough his flying training programm in New Zealand and subsequently flew with No. 75 Squadron in he Middle East. Besides flying bombers he was one of the few airmen who also flew fighters and partipated in total 110 operational sorties.
After he war he remained in the RAF and finished his career as commanding officer of No. 139 Squadron.

Post-war decorations:
June 5th, 1952: Air Force Cross
May 31st, 1956: 2nd AFC: Bar for on the ribbon of the first AFC

Action: Citation:
"One night in June, 1941, this officer was the pilot of an aircraft which carried out an attack on the Scharnhorst at Brest. Although the target was obscured, Pilot Officer Ashworfh flew over trie area for a considerable, time finally dropping flares immediately north and south of the target, which enabled him to see and attack"his objective. He also aimed one bomb at an unidentified vessel of 10,000 tons which was observed to be entering the docks. This operation necessitated Pilot Officer Ash worth remaining over the area for one and a quarter hours, making eight surveying runs, at times at an extremely low altitude and in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Since February, 1941, this officer has participated in twenty operational missions. He has displayed outstanding skill, courage and infinite care in his efforts to bomb his objectives accurately."

Action: Citation:
"Throughout the numerous sorties which Squadron Leader Ashworth as completed, many of them in the Middle East, this, officer has displayed utter fearlessness and a magnificent .determination to reach and bomb his allotted target despite all odds. His great skill and efficiency as a captain of aircraft have been an excellent example and stimulus to the entire squadron."

Sources

- The London Gazette Issue 35219 published on the 15 July 1941
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35675 published on the 18 August 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35841 published on the 29 December 1942
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37337 published on the 2 November 1945
- Wing Commander Arthur Ashworh

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